14+5

I decided to start a baby blog to monitor trends in my pregnancy, to vent about the challenges and to revel in the excitement of making a tiny little person.

I am nearing my 15th week and I have to admit that I am extremely disappointed that I am not feeling the relief from nausea and fatigue that I had expected to arrive after my 12th week of pregnancy. I have felt nauseous EVERYDAY for the past 3 months and lately it feels like the nausea is getting worse. Although I have been fortunate to not throw up yet (which I cannot emphasize enough how extremely thankful I am of this), recently I have been gagging much more frequently and at times I feel that if I were to allow myself to, I could easily vomit. I especially struggle with all of the smells from the kitchen -- opening the fridge never ceases to be gagfest 2013. I read that women who have a history of migraines often feel more nausea and I also read that women who feel more nausea in their first trimester are 50% more likely to have a girl! So perhaps either or both of these two things are the cause for continual nausea. Overall, I can sum up my feelings by saying, I am sick of being sick! It really is taking a toll on me and I am starting to feel frustrated and emotional (go figure) about not feeling any progress. From all of my readings, the second trimester is supposed to be a time of renewed energy and health, so hopefully I will see this side of it soon! In the meantime, I am taking refuge in carbs. They are the only thing that help the nausea, besides sweets and lemonade! Bring on my preggo bump with all those extra calories!

Our baby, the size of a lemon now, is starting to make its first appearance on my belly. My bump is small, but beginning to be noticeable. Some days, I love it, other days, I feel like it just makes me look fat! I am looking forward to when it gets bigger and is very obviously a pregnancy bump instead of it just looking like a questionable beer belly. One way that I know that it is the baby though is that I can't suck the bump in! Although this may seem like a "duhhh", this is very strange to me. I will stand sideways and look at the mirror and try to suck my tummy in and it literally looks identical to it being "un-sucked"! How weird! I can't imagine what it will feel like when I have a full-grown baby inside of me!

Despite my sickness frustrations and my belly blues, Don and I are so excited for our new little family member to arrive in less than 26 weeks! We recently bought a new book about the first year of life and have been reading to each other about breast-feeding, introducing the baby to our pets, essential baby buys, and other important/valuable information. Don also makes an effort to regularly talk to the baby, which is endearing and entertaining. I will be the first to admit that Donald has definitely been my life-saver over these trying weeks and has been so kind to cater to my needs and so flexible with my limitations while not feeling well. He has cooked me endless meals and helped with chores that are normally mine and also has been forgiving to the chores that I haven't had the energy to accomplish recently. I do feel guilty about the loads of laundry piling up and the small messes scattered about the house (which at times seriously stress me out), but I am lucky to have someone who is understanding and patient. I cannot begin to express how thankful I am to have such a loving and dedicated husband! I am so incredibly lucky to be starting a family with this man. He is going to make the best father -- I have no doubt in that.

Okay, this is all for now. I will do my best to write at least once a week or perhaps more if the mood strikes me!